Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Three 81st Fighter Squadron A-10Cs caught at Lajes on their final way back to CONUS

By Joachim Jacob, Warthog News Editor

As already reported, after exercise REAL THAW 2013 at Monte Real Air Base, Portugal, three of the six participated A-10Cs from the 81st Fighter Squadron "Panthers", 52nd Fighter Wing (USAFE), Spangdahlem AB, Germany, left Monte Real for stopover at Lajes Field, Azores, en route to Continental United States (CONUS) due to the squadron's upcoming deactivation. At Lajes, Warthog News contributor João Toste from Portugal had the opportunity to take some related shots. So far, João posted two of them on airliners.net. His first picture, added March 11, 2013, already posted and highlighted on my associated Warthog News Facebook page, shows A-10C 82-0650:


A-10C 82-0650 from the 81st Fighter Squadron, 52nd Fighter Wing (USAFE), Spangdahlem AB, Germany, during stopover at Lajes Field, Azores, March 2, 2013, en route to Continental United States (CONUS) after participating in exercise REAL THAW 2013 at Monte Real Air Base, Portugal. (Photo by João Toste)

Just after a personal request, João posted the following additional shot on airliners.net (added March 12, 2013):


The other two A-10Cs from the 81st Fighter Squadron, 52nd Fighter Wing (USAFE), Spangdahlem AB, Germany, during stopover at Lajes Field, Azores, March 3, 2013, en route to Continental United States (CONUS) after participating in exercise REAL THAW 2013 at Monte Real Air Base, Portugal. A-10C 81-0981, marked 81 FS as the 81st Fighter Squadron commander's aircraft vacating the runway 33 via Charlie. Pictured in the background at left is A-10C 81-0962. (Photo by João Toste)

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Photos: Pilot for a Day

Released by 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

3/6/2013 - Addison Rerecich, a 13-year-old Tucsonan recovering from a double lung transplant, flies the A-10 Thunderbolt II simulator with help from U.S. Air Force Maj. Michael McKee, 358th Fighter Squadron pilot, during her tour of Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz. Feb. 21, 2013, as the Pilot for a Day participant. The D-M Pilot for a Day program invites children with serious or chronic conditions, to be a guest of the 355th Fighter Wing and one of the flying squadrons for an entire day. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Brittany Dowdle) Hi-res

3/6/2013 - U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Jennifer Short, 358th Fighter Squadron commander, swears in Addison Rerecich, a 13-year-old Tucsonan recovering from a double lung transplant, as part of the Pilot for a Day program at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz. Feb. 21, 2013. The Pilot for a Day program begins with a brief "swearing in" ceremony at the host flying squadron, after which the child becomes an "honorary United States Air Force pilot". (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Brittany Dowdle) Hi-res

Source (including 8 photos)

Note: Very nice to see one more female "Hog" squadron commander!!!

Monday, March 11, 2013

Det. 303, 495th FG stands up at Whiteman AFB

by Senior Airman Wesley Wright
442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

3/4/2013 - WHITEMAN AFB, Mo. -- The 442nd Fighter Wing's active-duty associate unit, Detachment 2, 23rd Fighter Group, is scheduled to reorganize and stand up as Det. 303, 495th Fighter Group, March 8.

Lt. Col. Joshua B. Ruddell, 23rd FG, Det. 2 commander, is leading the reorganization on the ground here.

"One of the efforts the Air Force is going toward in Total Force Integration is combining organizations," he said. "They are moving us out from under Moody AFB, Ga., and putting us under this new group at Shaw AFB, S.C."

Ruddell said the new organization will deliver the same outstanding air power with a new, leaner structure.

"The benefit is a streamlining of efforts, whether it's policy or procedures, for how active-associates conduct business," he said. "As far as us doing our daily job here, there will be no change."

Being on an active-duty base will make the transition much easier, Ruddell said. "The detachment will be able to go to the 509th Bomb Wing for base operating support while relying on the new chain of command through Shaw AFB for administrative support.

Ruddell said the reorganization could potentially save the government money.

"Streamlining means efficiency, which I think will save taxpayers' dollars," he said. "That's the goal. Additionally, we are going to be leveraging technology - using virtual briefs and meetings, sharing information that way. By cutting down on physical trips, this also saves money."

To for the transition, Ruddell said he and his team are busy getting all the pieces in place.

"We're making sure our roster is up to speed, making sure command and control will be in place from day one and we are working on our budget and spending plans now," he said. "We have wonderful resources here to work with here in the 509th BW and the 442nd FW."

The choice of 495th FG for the detachment is not coincidental. According to the Air Force Historical Research Agency, the 495th FG was originally established as the 495th Fighter Training Group, Oct. 9, 1943 and disbanded April 15, 1945. The 495th was picked over another FG, the 496th, due to its longer length of service.

With this rich history behind them, and the active-association reorganization ahead, the Airmen of Det. 303, 495th FG will continue to deliver outstanding airpower and Total Force Integration strength to the 442 FW.

Source (No photos included)

Related background info:

Shaw gains new fighter group

by 9th Air Force Public Affairs

3/7/2013 - SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- The 495th Fighter Group will stand up during an activation ceremony here March 8 at 9:45 a.m. at the Carolina Skies Club and Conference Center.

The 495th Fighter Group's activation is part of the Air Force's ongoing initiative to integrate traditional, active-duty Airmen with Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve units to streamline training and resource use. Such integrated units are called active associate units. The 495th Fighter Group staff will be headquartered here. The group will guide 10, 9th Air Force-affiliated, active associate fighter detachments co-located with host Guard and Reserve units across the country.

Five years ago, Air Force leaders recognized a changing force structure and budget constraints demanded creative ways to generate experienced fighter pilots. Their solution was to leverage the Guard's and Reserve's experience, continuity and assets through an initiative called Total Force Integration.

Media members who wish to cover the activation ceremony must RSVP to 9th Air Force Public Affairs office via e-mail, 9afpa.orgbox@afcent.af.mil, or by phone, 895-4322, by 3 p.m. March 7. Attending media must arrive at the Shaw Air Force Base Visitors' Center at the base's Main Gate by 8:15 a.m. March 8. Late arrivals and media members who don't RSVP may be unable to gain access to the base.

Reporters with video camera equipment should bring wireless microphones to best facilitate audio coverage of this event.

Lt. Col. Juris Jansons will officially assume command of the group during the ceremony. Maj. Gen. Lawrence Wells, 9th Air Force commander, 9th Air Force Headquarters, Shaw Air Force Base, will preside over the event. The 9th Air Force comprises eight active-duty wings and two direct reporting units in the Southeastern U.S. with more than 480 aircraft and 28,000 active-duty and civilian personnel.

The 9th Air Force is also responsible for the operational readiness of 13 Air Reserve Component wings.
Source (No photos included)

Shaw stands up new fighter group

by Staff Sgt. Amanda Currier
9th Air Force Public Affairs

3/8/2013 - SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- The 495th Fighter Group stood up during an activation ceremony here March 8.

The group's activation is part of the Air Force's ongoing initiative to integrate traditional, active-duty Airmen with Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve units to streamline training and resource use. Such integrated units are called active associate units.

The 495th Fighter Group, headquartered here, is responsible for guiding 10 active associate, 9th Air Force-affiliated fighter detachments located at host Guard and Reserve units across the country. These units pair traditional active-duty fighter pilots and aircraft maintainers with their Guard and Reserve counterparts to generate efficiency and cost savings by sharing resources and reducing duplication of efforts.

"My job is to make sure the active-duty Airmen and their families assigned to these locations are taken care of" said Lt. Col. Juris Jansons, who took command of the 495th Fighter Group during the activation ceremony.

Prior to the activation ceremony, five of 495th Fighter Group's 10 detachments were already established. Four units flying F-16s in South Carolina, Vermont, Florida and Texas, reported to the 20th Operations Group here. The fifth detachment, flying A-10s in Missouri, reported to the 23rd Operations Group at Moody Air Force Base, Ga.

"The significance of today's event is that it marks, for the first time, the transfer of administrative control for these active associate detachments to one commander - Colonel Jansons," said 9th Air Force Commander Maj. Gen Lawrence Wells, who presided over the ceremony. "In the near future, we will double the number of detachments in his command to 10, when we are joined by detachments located in Colorado, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Alabama."

Five years ago, Air Force leaders recognized a changing force structure and budget constraints demanded creative ways to generate experienced fighter pilots. Their solution was to leverage the Guard's and Reserve's experience, continuity and assets through an initiative called Total Force Integration.

"The Air Force created the TFI initiative that assigned active-duty service members to Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve units; we did this to make use of the vast experience already resident in those units - for both operational flying missions and maintenance training. History will show that this will prove to be a mutually beneficial relationship."

The 495th Fighter Group's legacy dates back to Work War II to the 495th Fighter Training Group, established in England on Oct. 9, 1943. Then, the group flew and maintained the P-47 Thunderbolt. After World War II, the 495th Fighter Training Group was disbanded April 15, 1945, due to the end of fighting in the European theater.

"Just like a Phoenix rising from its ashes, today the 495th Fighter Group rises again, proudly displaying its World War II heritage and taking on a mission our Air Force so desperately needs," General Wells said.

"We are focusing on that next generation of warrior leaders who are going to champion this TFI endeavor. That will be the legacy of this group," said Colonel Jansons, a command pilot with more than 2,000 flying hours in the F-16.

Currently established 495th Fighter Group detachments
· Detachment 93, Homestead Air Reserve Base, Fla.
· Detachment 134, Burlington International Airport, Vt.
· Detachment 157, McEntire Joint National Guard Base , S.C.
· Detachment 303, Whiteman Air Force Base, Miss.
· Detachment 457, Naval Air Station Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base, Texas

495th Fighter Group detachments in the process of being created
· Detachment 100, Dannelly Field, Ala.
· Detachment 120, Buckley Air Force Base, Colo.
· Detachment 175, Joe Foss Field, S.D.
· Detachment 176, Dane County Regional Airport, Wis.

Source (including 3 photos)

'Hogs' receive gas before 'Falcons'

Released by 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs


3/8/2013 - An A-10 Warthog from the 52nd Fighter Wing, Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, flies off the wing-tip of a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 100th Air Refueling Wing, RAF Mildenhall, England, during a refueling mission Mar. 7, 2013, over Germany. Refueling sorties of this type keep pilots and boom operators proficient in refueling techniques used to support combat operations in other areas of responsibility. (U.S. Air Force photo by 1st Lt. Christopher Mesnard) Hi-res

3/8/2013 - An A-10 Warthog from the 52nd Fighter Wing, Spangdahlem Air Base Germany, approaches the boom on a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 100th Air Refueling Wing, RAF Mildenhall, England, during a refueling mission March 7, 2013, over Germany. The 100th ARW provides refueling support for training missions, like this one, and combat missions in the European and African areas of operation. (U.S. Air Force photo by 1st Lt. Christopher Mesnard) Hi-res

Source (including 5 photos - but all three others are F-16 related)

Note: Pictured in both photos is A-10C 82-0656 which was among the three 81st Fighter Squadron "Hogs" which recently returned home to Spang from Monte Real Air Base, Portugal, after exercise REAL THAW 2013. The two others were A-10Cs 81-0966 and 82-0654.
In contrast, A-10Cs 81-0962, 81-0981 (marked 81 FS as the 81st Fighter Squadron commander's aircraft) and 82-0650 left Monte Real for stopover at Lajes Field, Azores, enroute Continental United States (CONUS) due to the squadron's upcoming deactivation.

Just for the A-10 history books: Maybe these nice official USAF shots will become some of the very last air-to-air pictures of 81st Fighter Squadron "Hogs" flying over Germany.

Monday, March 4, 2013

From the archives: 81st Fighter Squadron A-10Cs caught at Monte Real in January 2007

By Joachim Jacob, Warthog News Editor

During the last couple of weeks aviation photographer Marco Casaleiro from Portugal did a great job to document the participation of A-10Cs from the 81st Fighter Squadron "Panthers", 52nd Fighter Wing (USAFE), Spangdahlem AB, Germany, during the recent exercise REAL THAW 2013, held at Monte Real Air Base, Portugal. Related to that, Marco did a search of his old files for 81st FS A-10s which were sent to Monte Real as a detachment in January 2007. And as he told me, at that time he caught the following "Hogs" by serial numbers: ? 281 [must be 80-0281], 82-0650, 82-0649, 82-0654, 82-0656, 81-0945, 81-0954, 81-0951, 81-0956, 81-0962, 81-0963, 81-0966, 81-0988.


A-10 81-0988. (Photo by Marco Casaleiro) Full size


A-10 81-0988. (Photo by Marco Casaleiro) Full size


A-10 80-0281. (Photo by Marco Casaleiro) Full size


A-10 81-0954, marked 81 FS as the 81st Fighter Squadron commander's aircraft. (Photo by Marco Casaleiro) Full size


A-10 81-0962. (Photo by Marco Casaleiro) Full size


A-10 81-0945. (Photo by Marco Casaleiro) Full size


A-10s 81-0945 and 82-0654. (Photo by Marco Casaleiro) Full size


A-10 82-0650. (Photo by Marco Casaleiro) Full size


A-10 82-0654. (Photo by Marco Casaleiro) Full size

Please note: I will further improve the photo captions.

Question: Anybody who remember that and will share his memories?

Mildenhall Stratotankers refueled 81st Fighter Squadron A-10Cs during exercise REAL THAW 2013

By Joachim Jacob, Warthog News Editor

As already reported on Warthog News's official Facebook page, KC-135 Stratotankers from the 351st Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, 100th Air Refueling Wing (USAFE), RAF Mildenhall, United Kingdom, refueled A-10Cs from the 81st Fighter Squadron, 52nd Fighter Wing (USAFE), Spangdahlem AB, Germany, during exercise REAL THAW 2013 at Monte Real Air Base, Portugal. The 351st EARS is currently deployed to southwest Europe in support of French operations in Mali. KC-135 aircrews from the 100th ARW have been flying aerial refueling sorties from the deployed location since January 2013. In a photo news titled "RAF Mildenhall Airmen support REAL THAW", 100th ARW Public Affairs released three related official pictures.


2/22/2013 - An A-10 Thunderbolt II refuels from a KC-135 Stratotanker during exercise REAL THAW, Feb. 19, 2013. The Stratotanker is operated by the 351st Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron operating from southwest Europe. The 351st EARS is comprised of Airmen from the 100th Air Refueling Wing, RAF Mildenhall, England, who deployed Jan. 26, 2013. The 351st EARS offered to participate in REAL THAW from their deployed location. Picking up the exercise refueling mission gave the 351st EARS aircrew additional training and was an efficient way to use a pre-located refueling capability. REAL THAW, the Portuguese military's premiere annual exercise, integrates the Portuguese Army, Navy and Air Force for joint operations and scenarios. The exercise also includes forces from partner nations. The 81st Fighter Squadron, Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, is one of the U.S. representatives in Portugal. Their airframe, the A-10 Thunderbolt II, is the only close air support aircraft participating this year, and the Portuguese military is taking full advantage of its capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. LeeAnn Sunn) Hi-res

Note: Looks like both aircraft have just passed the coast line.


2/22/2013 - An A-10 Thunderbolt II refuels from a KC-135 Stratotanker during exercise REAL THAW, Feb. 19, 2013. The Stratotanker is operated by the 351st Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron operating from southwest Europe. [...] (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. LeeAnn Sunn) Hi-res

Source (including 3 photos)

BTW: For the A-10 history books I would like to knew the Stratotanker's still "undisclosed" deployed location. Feel free to drop me a line. And be sure, you will remain 100 percent anonymous.

Saturday, March 2, 2013

Official USAF group shots of 81st Fighter Squadron and 81st Aircraft Maintenance Unit Airmen who participated in exercise REAL THAW 2013

By Joachim Jacob, Warthog News Editor

As already reported on my associated Warthog News Facebook page, Defense Video & Imagery Distribution System (DVIDS) released some excellent group shots of 81st FS and 81st AMU airmen taken during exercise REAL THAW 2013 at Monte Real Air Base, Portugal, which has been not published so far on 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs sources.


U.S. Airmen with the 81st Fighter Squadron and the 81st Aircraft Maintenance Unit pose for a photo during exercise Real Thaw 13 in Monte Real, Portugal, Feb. 15, 2013. It was the last exercise in which the units participated before being inactivated in 2013. Real Thaw is an annual exercise hosted by Portugal to develop interoperability for contingency operations between Portugal, European partner nations and the U.S. Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nathanael Callon) Full size


U.S. Airmen with the 81st Fighter Squadron pose for a photo during Exercise Real Thaw 13 in Monte Real, Portugal, Feb. 15, 2013. It was the last exercise in which the unit participated before its inactivation in 2013. Real Thaw is an annual exercise hosted by Portugal to develop interoperability for contingency operations between Portugal, European partner nations and the U.S. Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nathanael Callon). Full size

Note: It seems like pictured here are all of the A-10C pilots who participated in this recent exercise.


U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Clint Eichelberger, front, the 81st Fighter Squadron (FS) commander, speaks to Airmen with the 81st FS and the 81st Aircraft Maintenance Unit during exercise Real Thaw 13 in Monte Real, Portugal, Feb. 15, 2013. Real Thaw is an annual exercise hosted by Portugal to develop interoperability for contingency operations between Portugal, European partner nations and the U.S. Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nathanael Callon) Full size

Please note: In all three pictures the airmen pose in front of A-10C 81-0981, marked 81 FS as the 81st Fighter Squadron commander's aircraft. After the exercise, this "Hog" (together with two others) left Monte Real for Lajes Field, Azores, enroute Continental United States (CONUS) due to the squadron's upcoming deactivation. If you are interested in the original hi-res versions in print quality you have to register for DVIDS and then just search this site for REAL THAW 2013.

Friday, March 1, 2013

23rd Wing begins ORE

Released by 23rd Wing Public Affairs


An A-10C Thunderbolt II makes its way to a hardened aircraft shelter after a flying mission during a phase II operational readiness exercise Feb. 28, 2013, at Moody Air Force Base, Ga. OREs test and evaluate the 23d Wing's ability to meet wartime tasks within a deployed location. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jamal D. Sutter) Hi-res

Please note: For more related A-10C shots check 23rd Wing's Facebook album Operational Readiness Exercise. Just two samples:


Note: Pictured in this photo and in the photo above is A-10C 80-0259 from the 75th Fighter Squadron. Full size


Maybe the same aircraft. Full size

BTW: The designation "hardened aircraft shelter" (HAS) used in the original photo caption above is wrong. If I'm right, in the Continental United Staates (CONUS) there are only modern sun shades (or so) and hangars. Only at Spangdahlem AB, Germany, and Osan AB, Republic of Korea, A-10Cs are using real hardened aircraft shelters made of reinforced concrete.

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Video: Exercise Real Thaw - 81st Fighter Squadron's Last Exercise

Released by 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs on You Tube:

Released February 25, 2013. Reporter: A1C Rebecca Stout

Comment by Warthog News: We love you, "Phanters"!

Finishing Strong: 81st maintainers rock final exercise

by Staff Sgt. Nathanael Callon
52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs


MONTE REAL, Portugal – A weapons Airman cleans the GAU-8 30mm Gatling gun of an A-10 Thunderbolt II after a REAL THAW 13 mission in Monte Real, Portugal, Feb. 15, 2013. This exercise seeks to provide a realistic operating environment that accurately reflects current theaters of operation, provide adequate training to multinational participants while coordinating joint operations assets on land, air and sea, and improve interoperability between allied forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nathanael Callon) Hi-res

2/26/2013 - MONTE REAL, Portugal -- A radio squawk sounds across the maintenance hangar. The call sets Airmen of the 81st Aircraft Maintenance Unit into motion like clockwork. Some grab tool boxes and laptops, others reach for their hearing protection.

It's an orchestrated effort that every single Airman in that room knows by heart.

As they step out of the hangar, a cool Atlantic breeze fills the area with a light sandy, oceanic fragrance.

Soon, they hear engines drone out of sight; the sound slowly increases in volume as the aircraft land and taxi back to their resting places.

The fragrance of ocean quickly dissipates and the stifling odor of exhaust takes its place.

The sandy environment isn't the typical landscape the Airmen stationed in Germany are used to, but they are able to work in any environment, much like the A-10 Thunderbolt II planes that they maintain. They are in Monte Real, Portugal, for REAL THAW 13. It's the last exercise the 81st will be a part of before their inactivation later this year.

REAL THAW helps keep pilots combat-ready for any sort of contingency mission. They trained with the Portuguese military on scenarios like combat search and rescue, close air support, convoy escort and forward air control. It also gives the 81st Fighter Squadron an opportunity to build partnership with the Portuguese military and other NATO allies.

Being part of an exercise of this size and importance also gives the maintainers--who have kept these jets in the air through a myriad of exercises, deployments and contingency operations--a chance to reminisce on their time as part of the 81st.

Each maintainer has something different to say about why they love the A-10. For some, it's the aircraft's capabilities. For others, it is the ease of maintenance involved with it.

"It's like working on an old car," said U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Kyle Ring, an 81st Aircraft Maintenance Unit crew chief from Modesto, Calif. "There are no computers or anything that make it complicated. It's just hands-on maintenance--getting in there and doing it."

Most of its parts are interchangeable, and the maintainers don't need lavish facilities to service the jets.

The A-10 is based on 1960s technology and has been in the Air Force aircraft inventory since 1975, when the first plane was delivered to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz. Designed for low air speeds and altitude, the A-10 has been a lifesaver for troops on the front lines for close to 40 years now.

It's earned several nicknames throughout the years, but it is commonly referred to as the "Warthog." The maintainers who dedicate long days to keep the A-10 in the air refer to it simply as "the Hog."

Everyone brings a special skill to the aircraft. Jet engine mechanics, avionics technicians, crew chiefs and weapons members all work together to deliver firepower to where it's most needed.

When the A-10s fired their last rounds on the range in Portugal, U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Joshua Sisneros seemed conflicted. His face beamed with satisfaction as he walked around the GAU-8 Avenger 30mm Gatling gun, but pensive sadness intensified in his eyes. "The Hog" fired 1,050 30mm rounds on the range, and the smoke-covered casings still sat in the cage.

It's been six years since Sisneros first started working on the A-10 as a weapons load team member. He's now the team chief and oversees his Airmen as they inspect the gun that he's grown to love.

"This gun is my baby," said Sisneros. As the team chief, he is responsible for loading bombs as well, but has a special admiration for the gun, which can unleash 3,900 rounds a minute and punch holes in tanks and armored vehicles like a can opener puncturing a can of tuna.

Some A-10s still in the Air Force inventory sport the "jaws" look, with shark teeth snarling on the nose, and a GAU-8 Avenger distinctively on the front. The 81st isn't one to show off, and modestly wears a flat gray coat of paint and a tail flash with bold yellow tips on the twin vertical tails.

Although there have been a few upgrades throughout the years, the most recent "C" upgrade in 2009 brought about a plethora of new technology, including GPS-guided munitions, multi-function color displays, and Situational Awareness Data Link capability, which allows aircraft to transfer information electronically between each other and with joint terminal air controllers on the ground.

"I love this plane. It's amazing. It's the only plane that can do air-to-ground combat like it does," said Ring, who has spent four years working on "the Hog" in all types of weather, from the blistering heat in Arizona to below-freezing ice storms in Germany.

Wherever the 81st goes in Europe, whether it is the Czech Republic, Romania or Portugal, the A-10 always seems to draw attention.

"You get a real appreciation for your job when people come out and want to learn about your aircraft, because there really is nothing like it anywhere else in the world," said Sisneros.

The decision to inactivate the 81st came with the Department of Defense's resolution to cut almost $500 billion from the defense budget over the next 10 years. Five A-10 squadrons across the Air Force, including Air National Guard and reserve units, were told to close up shop. The 81st is the final A-10 squadron in Europe, and with its inactivation, all that will be left of the Panthers legacy is the Airmen who were a part of it.

Many of these maintenance professionals will work together in the future, since the number of places they can go is now narrowed to a few bases.

"It's a really small community, and the best part of the job is working with great people," said U.S. Airman 1st Class Fernando Sorto, 81st Aircraft Maintenance Unit crew chief from Plano, Texas.

The Air Force isn't getting rid of "the Hogs." The remaining planes are expected to join existing squadrons in Davis-Monthan AFB and Moody Air Force Base, Ga.

The 81st has supported a number of contingencies overseas since they adopted the A-10 more than 19 years ago. The 81st was the first U.S. Air Forces in Europe squadron to deploy for Operation Southern Watch, and enforced the United Nations no-fly zone over the skies of Iraq.

Other European contingencies like Operation Deny Flight in 1994 and Operation Allied Force in 1999 benefited greatly from the A-10s being already staged in Europe, since they were geographically close to the conflicts and quickly supported NATO's directives.

The 81st deployed to Afghanistan many times in the past decade, where they have provided close air support to coalition ground forces in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Source (including 5 photos)

Comment: Please enjoy the associated photo set, linked to Flickr.